I Can't Cope (COMPLETED)

Chapter 10 - Riley

As we walk in, I notice Miss Kate and Phoebe standing in the middle of Studio A. Phoebe says something and Miss Kate laughs. Their relationship is really cute. I hope me and Emily are like that when we're older. Yes, Phoebe is kind of strange, but she's nice, and she seems like a good younger sister. And Miss Kate is one of the nicest adults I know, you know you can rely on her and she cares about every single one of her students so much.

We stand facing them and they both smile. "So," Miss Kate says.

"The female soloist is going to be..." Phoebe adds.

"Riley!"

Wait... what? Me? Really? I really thought Michelle would get it, because her nationals solo was so good, and this solo was the same, if not an improvement.

Everyone hugs me and shouts 'well done' as I just stand there, taking it all in. I know I did the duet with James at nationals - a much bigger competition than this - but I haven't been chosen to represent something individually for ages - I don't think I've been good enough - so it's pretty surprising I got this solo.

"So, West and Riley, we're expecting to see your solos again on Friday, just to check you're good with your routines, and in case there's anything you need help with. As it's your Sunday we're eating up now, go home, get rested, enjoy yourselves, and we'll see you again tomorrow for rehearsals!" Phoebe says.

We collect our stuff from our cubbyholes and walk out of the studio. I feel an arm around me and look up to see James grinning down at me.

"So, Riles, where do you wanna go?"

"Well, I think I need to go home for a shower before we go anywhere else." I say.

"I'll drive, I brought my car."

"Okay, can we take Giselle too?"

"Sure. Why?"

"She wants to talk to Emily."

"Oh, cool. How is Emily?"

"She's alright." I decide not to tell him the details of what's going on with Emily - there's no point him knowing about it. Knowing Giselle is behind me, I turn around.

"Hey, James said he'd drop you off to see Emily because we're going there anyway."

"Oh, thanks!" Giselle smiles, then adds, "Can Steph come too?" James turns around.

"Yeah, if you don't mind being a bit squashed. My car isn't exactly what you call huge..." he says.

"I don't mind, I just want to see Emily!" Stephanie says. I guess when we passed Studio B, Steph must have been in there and came when she saw us. Then I assume Giselle told her everything.

We walk out onto the bustling main road and James proceeds to lead us down several side streets until we reach his car. Giselle turns around to face him.

"You really had to park so far away? Me and Riley have been doing some very strenuous solos, you know. And I'm pretty sure whatever Steph was doing, she was putting a lot of effort into it too!"

"Okay, well I'm sorry. There were no places to park on the main road and this was the nearest place I could think of to park. I was in a hurry to get there on time anyway, I didn't want to miss Riley's solo, after all." James says.

"Why were you in a hurry?" I ask.

"I... overslept." James mutters. Hearing this, Giselle rolls her eyes with half-serious exasperation and Steph adds, "Typical boy!"

"Whatever, just get in the car!" James says, laughing.

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There's my tenth chapter! How are you finding I Can't Cope so far? Please let me know what you think, and if there are any ways you think I could improve, I'd love to know :) I'm in the middle of writing chapter 11 at the moment, so it should be up in the next few days... ;)